It is still 92 days away, but it’s a good bet West Salem, Wis., driver Steve Carlson — the Whelen All-American Series national champ, that is — can’t wait for the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway season opener.

The tentative Fairgrounds Speedway has been released, and the season opener is set for April 19. There are a number of special events this season, including a potential May 16 show featuring the USAC National Midgets.

Dan Fredrickson of Elko, Minn., takes the checkered flag in front of West Salem's Steve Carlson in the Oktoberfest 100 on Oct. 7 at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway. Erik Daily photo

Other highlights include an ASA Late Model North Series 100-lap race on June 7, as well as a 50-lap Kwik Trip Late Model feature on July 19, and a regular-season ending 100-lap Late Model race on Sept. 6.

“It (schedule) combines our three main divisions with the Hornets, Skidders and Tuners mixed in,” said Chuck Deery, the manager of the Fairgrounds Speedway since 1987.

So what are Skidders?

“Skidders are front-wheel drive, rear brake lock cars that skid around the race track on metal plates welded on the back (where the tires would be),” Deery said. “It is unique, fun, yet competitive.”

The Skidders will run about four or five times during the season, Deery said.

BANQUET: The Fairgrounds Speedway’s annual banquet, an event which draws hundreds of guests and features more than 120 awards, is set for Saturday, Jan. 26, at

Stoney Creek Inn in Onalaska, Wis.

Advertisement